Crawley MP Henry Smith got the chance to try his hand at Engineering, Plumbing and Hairdressing on Tuesday 7th February, when he spent the morning learning more about some of the apprenticeship training opportunities offered at Central Sussex College’s Crawley campus.
Held during National Apprenticeship Week 2012, which runs 6th-10th February, the event enabled Henry to learn more about some of the vocational subjects offered by the College to its 650+ apprentices. Apprenticeship Week is the ideal occasion to celebrate the opportunities provided by work-based training programmes, and the achievements of those who study for them.
After being greeted by College Principal Dr Russell Strutt, Henry changed into protective overalls and safety glasses and headed off to the engineering workshop for a lesson in turning metal. He was shown the ropes by aeronautical engineering apprentice Sam Cook, 17, and tutor Keith Tracey, using a lathe to create a working metal bolt and screw.
Henry then visited the Intuition hair salon, where he tried his hand at sectioning and blow drying under the watchful eye of apprentice Christina Parr, 17, who is employed at Michael Todd Hairdressing in East Grinstead. Fellow apprentice Louise Pilbeam, 21, acted as Henry’s model. Tutor Lindsey James said; “both apprentices are well supported by their employers and that really helps them progress in their College work.” After ten minutes of blow drying, Henry quipped; “You must have strong arm muscles!”
The morning finished with Henry checking for gas leaks with a group of plumbing apprentices. Gareth Ellis, 19, showed Henry how to use a meter and gas leak detection fluid. Gareth, from Copthorne, works for local company JMP Services and started his advanced apprenticeship in September 2011. He told Henry; “To be able to gain technical skills in College and experience in the workplace is invaluable.”
Henry added; “Apprenticeships are incredibly important – they offer real hands-on experience which is directly translated into the workplace. I am extremely grateful for the work Central Sussex College is doing to support apprenticeships during National Apprenticeship Week. It definitely seems to be the way of the future, with Crawley having seen a 70% increase in apprentices over the past year – enabling us to match young people with the professional skills the economy needs.”
As he left, Henry said: “People don’t realise the amazing stuff that goes on at this campus – it’s been a real eye opener.”
Central Sussex College will be holding an Apprentices Advice Session tonight (Wednesday 8th February), 5-7pm at its Crawley campus. Aspiring Apprentices and local employers are invited to attend, to find out more about the range of Apprenticeship opportunities on offer through the College, and its dedicated Apprenticeship and Job Shop teams will be on-hand throughout the event to offer advice on what’s involved in an Apprenticeship, and provide support for finding employment.
The College is currently working with Gatwick Airport Ltd to introduce a new Apprenticeship programme, with jobs available now! Those interested are asked to bring their CV along to the advice session to apply.
For more information and to pre-register for the event visit: www.centralsussex.ac.uk/naw2012
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